Postpartum P90X – Final Results

We wrapped up the final (of thirteen) weeks of P90X on Sunday and I’m happy with the results! I feel strong and like my “old self” again. Running is starting to feel very enjoyable and I’ve felt incredibly strong and proud of my body during recent yoga and barre classes. I’m glad that I chose to do this program before I get back into running because I know that it has set a steady foundation for my increased mileage as I ramp up for half marathon, and potentially marathon, training this year.

Background

Since some readers may be new to my blog, I’ll start by sharing some background on me going into P90X. I started P90X when I was 2 months postpartum and am now 5 months postpartum. I did P90X before in 2011 (results here) and loved it. While I’ve done a few Beachbody programs since then, I haven’t fully committed to any program since 2011 since I have been mostly focused on triathlon and running. Throughout my pregnancy, I continued to work out until the day I gave birth, but favored classes like barre and gentle yoga and stopped running at 32 weeks pregnant.

At 41 weeks pregnant. I gained 45 pounds in total.

Although I am breastfeeding, I was not seeing any additional weight loss after the initial three weeks by breastfeeding alone (I lost about 25 pounds in the first three weeks) so I don’t think that my results here are impacted much by breastfeeding (some women seem to lose weight from the calories burned while breastfeeding while others of us seem to hold on to weight while doing it). Also, I did not see a decrease in my supply from working out and dieting and breastfeeding.

Nutrition on P90X

My husband Mike and I did this program together and we did not follow the nutrition plan that comes with the P90X guidebook like we did last time. We followed the 100 Days of Real Food plan and you can read about our diet here (I am happy to help anyone who asks with the P90X guidebook nutrition plan since we followed it strictly last time). As with the first time I did P90X, I was a lot more strict on the diet during the first weeks and toward the end, I made a lot more exceptions than I planned. This is especially true for this final phase, where I pretty much at what was available at all social events and made some exceptions of my own at home.

Overall, I definitely got back to a lot of the healthy habits I had before pregnancy, such as making large batches of healthy soups and chilis prior to the week, making homemade salads for lunch and not eating ice cream or cookies every night after dinner! I ate mostly nuts, fruits and greek yogurt for snacks and didn’t grab a pastry or cookie at the coffee shop every time I went. I drank wine and beer in moderation throughout the program. I think the fact that my diet wasn’t 100% perfect is more encouraging for others, since we all know that life (and cravings) get in the way of our best intentions sometimes.

Workout Modifications

For full disclosure purposes, I did NOT complete every single workout in P90X, some of which was intentional and some was not. Intentionally, I skipped Kenpo every week and replaced it with a run. I also did not do Ab Ripper at all for the first couple of weeks and replaced it with more postpartum belly friendly exercises until I felt it was safe to do P90X (modified at first). I also replaced P90X yoga with a hot yoga class at a local studio.

Unintentionally, life got in the way at times. In the beginning, Siena’s sleep schedule was harder to predict and I’d miss the end of a workout and/or Ab Ripper due to her waking up hungry during it. Once her sleep schedule was more predictable, it was easier to schedule but toward the end I ended up missing a few workouts simply because I was tired or decided to prioritize a run instead. That probably happened only 4 times in the last month, but they were all key workouts.

I also added running to P90X, usually running 2-3 times a week, oftentimes just 3 miles at a time in the beginning and more like at least 4-5 miles at the end. Lately I increased my mileage as I ramp up for the La Jolla Half Marathon, with 23 miles this last week being my highest mileage week while on the program. I also added in about five or six 45 minute Dailey Baby barre classes at The Dailey Method Carlsbad throughout the program.

Dailey Baby

Results

On to the results! I feel good about where I’m at. I still don’t comfortably fit into my “skinny” jeans (but they do zip!!) but nearly all my work pants fit, which was one of my big goals before going back to work. I am still about 8-10 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight range, but I’m not too focused on the scale anymore since I know that a big portion of the weight is added muscle. I’m actually only a couple pounds below from my 2011 “before” P90x weight, but my body is a very different shape.

I think the biggest accomplishment of P90X was the fact that I can now do Ab Ripper with all the advanced moves without taking a break. This was a far cry from the first time I did it and I couldn’t believe how hard it was in the beginning with my weak post pregnancy abs. I also can now do 35 push-ups in one set (in 2011 I only got t0 30). I still can’t do a pull-up (last time I was able to do one during round 3), but I was using 20 pound weights for the back sets toward the end. My legs feel much stronger and I’ve noticed an improvement in my ability to hold poses during yoga thanks to it. I know that this stronger body will be a great defense against injury as I ramp up my running mileage as well.

Reflections & What’s Next

I’m glad I did P90X. It was certainly a commitment, but one that I’m happy that I stuck to. My diet wasn’t perfect and I skipped workouts at times, but consistency got me results I’m proud of. I really love working out and having scheduled workouts to look forward to and meals to plan helped me get into a routine and groove while dealing with the changes that a new baby bring. I know that an intense program like P90X isn’t right for everyone right after having a baby, but for me, it worked. We are lucky that Siena is a pretty good sleeper and since I was on maternity leave for the entire time I was able to get the sleep I needed in the form of extra naps if necessary.

While I do plan to incorporate many of the healthy changes I made in my diet while on the program, there are things that will be back in my grocery cart, such as bread and flavored coffee creamer. I don’t plan to continue to “diet,” just live my healthy lifestyle and indulge in moderation. I’m sure with my continued training and healthy eating that eventually those skinny jeans will fit again.

I plan to focus on running (I have 3 half marathons coming up) and yoga for now but do plan to throw in the occasional P90x, P90x2, P90x3 or Insanity workout when I can’t get out of the house or want some strength training. I’m also considering buying Tony Horton’s new 22 Minute Hard Corps workout (it’s coming out this month) since the workouts are only 22 minutes I could even quickly get one in after work on nights I’m home earlier.

Beachbody Coaching and 21 Day Fix

I am a Beachbody Coach! If you’d like to join my team and meet your weight loss or strength training goals with me, sign up here. If you have ordered from Beachbody in the past, you’ll need to fill out this form and ask to be reassigned to Coach ID #975540 . Please feel free to contact me at nwoyski@gmail.com if you have any questions about P90X or any other Beachbody Program.

I am planning to do a 21 Day Fix challenge group in June and my friend Allison who is also a coach is doing one starting March 14th. Let me know if you’d like to join either challenge and I can help get you set up!

Awesome job! You look fantastic, mama! Love hearing about great results. Though gosh, with half marathon training and everything, I can’t believe you find the time! Share your secrets, mama! hahah But really, you look incredible and I can see the sparkle in your eyes in the after photos. I LOVED the 21 day fix workouts. Hope you do, too!

You should be so proud of yourself! You really look amazing. Since having Allie I’ve really tried to get into strength training, but I just don’t enjoy it like I enjoy running. I’m going to keep trying and do it 1-2x’s a week, but I’m really excited to run more again. My first postpartum race is a half marathon on May 15. Can’t wait!

Thank you! Yes if you don’t love strength training I’m sure it’s harder to fit in. You just have to do what makes you happy! I”m glad running makes you happy and that you have a goal race! It’s funny because if you had told me my first half after baby would be 7 months postpartum, it would have seemed like such a long time to wait. But now, it seems like it’s coming up so fast!

Congratulations finishing the 90-day P90X program. You are looking fantastic – very fit and healthy. I’m sure this will help you physically as you start gearing up for all of your half marathons. You definitely have built a good base!

I still can’t believe you already have three half marathons on the schedule? Wow. Just wow. I also saw you mentioned potentially doing a full marathon this year? Do you think you would be heading back to CIM?

Thanks! The first half will be more of a warm-up and the second I plan to “race” (RnR San Diego) and the third will be a fun run (we’re making it a Oiselle meet up and the race ends at a brewery). So we’ll see!

I signed up for the New York Marathon lottery and I’ll find out next week if I got in. CIM is a possibility if I don’t get in, although if I’m not using it to qualify for Boston (TBD if I’ll feel like that’s even in the realm of possibility), I probably won’t make the trip up there for it (although we do have friends up there so maybe!). I may run Surf City or Carlsbad instead. We’ll see!!! I’m excited for your ironman training! You’re inspiring me and giving me hope that I can get my speed back once I start focusing on it!

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Welcome to My Blog!

I’m Nicole. I'm a runner, new(ish) mom, Ironman and fitness lover who attempts to live a life of balance as a pizza, beer and coffee lover. I live in a coastal suburb of San Diego and try my best to keep it real here!

I set big goals and have had my share of failures along with my successes. Keep reading to join me in my continued quest to achieve fitness goals, big and small.

If you'd like to reach out to me for any reason, contact me at fitnessfataleblog at gmail dot com!

I’d Love To Help You Achieve Your Goals!

I am a health and fitness coach. I run monthly challenge groups which provide daily accountability and guidance through your journey to achieve your own personal goals.

If you're a runner who is looking to mix in strength training, don't hesitate to reach out! You can compliment your running by including a modified version of any of the programs with your running schedule.